Maurie McGuire's Montecito Real Estate Update - Newsletter December, 2011

Santa Barbara & Montecito Real Estate Update

Click on either image above for full market report, given to us courtesy of Chicago Financial Santa Barbara. Please let us know if you would like additional detail or other specific information.

Happy Holidays from the McGuire Team!

Hoping your Christmas is as serene as the Santa Barbara skyline. Cheers to a prosperous New Year in 2012. Warmth and Love, Scott and Maurie.

12th Annual Trolley of Lights

Santa Barbara goes a little crazy with the Christmas lights... but they are so beautiful! Take a 90 minute trip in a trolley around Santa Barbara and see the sights and Holiday lights!

For more info on tickets and times visit sbtrolley.com/trolley-of-lights.html or call (805) 965-0353.

MONTECITO NEWS: Hot Springs Canyon purchase near | from Montecito Messenger

Land Trust for Santa Barbara County needs to raise $30,000 to complete the purchase the 462-acre Hot Springs Canyon. The land, which is zoned for residential development, was put on the market for $11 million.

"Thanks to the incredible generosity of our lead supporters, who came in early and strong, we got this campaign off the ground only about nine months ago," said Michael Feeney, executive director of The Land Trust. The Land Trust staff and board members are telephoning those who have made pledges, reminding them it is time to make their gifts in anticipation of the purchase in early 2012.

"Even as we work to raise the last of the money needed to purchase Hot Springs Canyon, we are working diligently with the U.S. Forest Service to resolve the final issues that will allow us to convey the land to Los Padres National Forest, which has always been our plan," Feeney said

To help raise the last of the money needed to save Hot Springs Canyon visit the Land Trust's website, www.sblandtrust.org.

Lighthouse Point - 8 new homes, Coming soon

Located in Santa Barbara's premium beach community, these spacious homes in the private Mesa enclave of Lighthouse Point - blend the classic Spanish garden courtyard with the best of beach-close lifestyle by capturing panoramic ocean and spectacular coastline views.

Designed with living spaces that open to the gardens and views, sizes of 2,280 to 2,400 sq. feet, with dramatic entry, beautiful arches and doorways, handcrafted wrought ironwork, gourmet kitchens with granite and custom cabinetry, walnut floors, big garage, and more.

Beautiful outside living & private gardens, complete with expansive views, a perfect main residence or Santa Barbara getaway. Ultra convenience of all the Mesa shops, restaurants, Shoreline Park, beaches, and only minutes to downtown Santa Barbara.

Call us for tour of our model home at (805) 565-8816.

Coronado Butterfly Preserve

The Coronado Butterfly Preserve is a beautiful natural space open to the public ... to protect the biologically rich, undeveloped coastal properties in west Goleta.

Peak time for the Monarch butterfly typically range from December through February. They begin arriving as early as October and are usually gone by the end of March. The clusters of Monarchs are most easily seen during sunny weather during the middle of the day.

For more info visit: www.sbcoast.net

It's Time to Buy That House| from WSJ.com by Josh Hough

U.S. house prices have plunged by nearly a third since 2006, and homeownership rates are falling at the fastest pace since the Great Depression.

The good news? Two key measures now suggest it's an excellent time to buy a house, either to live in for the long term or for investment income (but not for a quick flip). First, the nation's ratio of house prices to yearly rents is nearly restored to its prebubble average. Second, when mortgage rates are taken into consideration, houses are the most affordable they have been in decades.

Two of the silliest mantras during the real-estate bubble were that a house is the best investment you will ever make and that a renter "throws money down the drain." Whether buying is a better deal than renting isn't a stagnant fact but a changing condition that depends on the relationship between prices and rents, the cost of financing and other factors.

Read the rest of this informative article here: online.wsj.com

Contact Us Today

If you're thinking of buying or selling property in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Hope Ranch or surrounding areas, give us a call at to learn how we can assist with your goals. Our extensive knowledge of the Santa Barbara real estate market, combined with years of experience, a stellar track record and the testimony of repeat clients ensures you will receive the utmost attention to detail, integrity and personalized service.

Contact Maurie 805.565.8816, or Scott 403-4313